“No, you’re wrong. My grandfather would never lay a hand on me.” She stood, shaking her head, and backing away from him.
Chase instantly regretted his hastily chosen words. He should’ve worked up to this conversation.
Apparently, their moment of closeness was over, but Chase had to make sure Mary understood the potential threat.
“Mary, you don’t really know Tucker Cobb, or what he’s capable of.”
She pointed at Chase. “No, you don’t know him, not like I do. My grandfather loves me.”
“Mary, wait, let’s talk about this. Please give me a chance to explain myself.”
But Mary ran out of the room and slammed her door closed, ending the conversation and shutting him out.
Chapter Eight
Three more weeks went by, and Mary was on edge.
Since they’d argued, Mary hadn’t gone to his room at night, even when she’d heard him muttering in his sleep, having dream conversation-nightmares with his sister.
During the waking hours, they maintained an ultra-polite truce. Most of the time, Chase was at work, doing God knows what to Lord knows who. Maybe some distance between them wasn’t such a terrible thing after all. Mary had let her guard down around him.
Today, while Chase was gone, Mary had cleaned and even made chicken noodle soup in the crockpot. It was weird to be domestic, but she had to do something with her time, or she’d go insane. She was used to maintaining a tight schedule with lots of responsibilities. Sitting around Chase’s place all day, waiting to be traded like a baseball card, made her feel antsy.
Mary had stopped trying to escape. She couldn’t get through Chase’s password to use the Internet and Chase didn’t own a landline either. He kept his cell phone on him at all times, too.
She knew her grandfather, Ten, and Jasper would be looking for her, but it didn’t make Mary feel any better. She still wasn’t ready to face them, and maybe she never would be.
Chase breezed in the door around six. She’d gotten used to his comings and goings, and she realized she’d inadvertently timed dinner for his arrival.
Well, crap.
“It smells good.”
“Thanks. Want some soup?” Mary asked. She was already on her second bowl, and the comfort food tasted good.
“Yeah, sure.” Chase made himself a bowlful and sat beside her on the couch.
She’d been binge-watching The Flash on Netflix the past couple of hours. They watched one in awkward silence until Chase grabbed the remote and switched it off.
“All of this pretending is ridiculous. We should talk.”
“Sure. Why not?” Mary folded her arms over her chest.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.” Chase turned to face her, and he actually seemed sincere.
“I’m sorry, too.” Mary closed her eyes. “Maybe I overreacted a bit.”
“So, are we, er, okay…?”
“Yeah.”
“I almost said, are we friends, but that would be weird, right?”
“Um, I don’t know.” These days, Chase was the closest thing she had to a friend. “I guess, but our lives are odd already, right?”
“Yeah.” Chase chuckled. “Well, I’m glad. These past weeks have been…”
“Awful? I agree.”
Chase smiled. “Exactly.”
Mary leaned back on the sofa. “Anything you wanna talk about?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m curious about something.”
“Then ask me.”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
Mary hadn’t gone on a date since her junior year of college. She’d dated a guy on and off for three or four months, but it hadn’t been a big romance or anything. He was nice, and the sex was decent, but they were both consumed with their schoolwork, which came first.
It always would, until she finished her degree.
And then, her job would take precedence for a while, until she was settled into her career and ready to make a commitment to someone, and then start a family. Medicine was a male-dominated profession. Even her pre-med courses were sausage fests, and Mary was always proving herself to the professors and the other students. Mary suspected it would be the same way at work and she didn’t want to be mommy-tracked.
Yes, Mary had everything all laid out, or thought she did, until it had come to a screeching halt. Right now, up was down, black was white, and nothing made sense anymore.
“No, I’m single. What about you?”
“I had a serious girlfriend a couple of years ago, but it didn’t work out.”
“Did she leave when you told her you were a mobster?” Mary imagined not many women could handle criminal activity.
Chase shook his head. “Just the opposite, she was a bit too into the bad boy thing.”
Hmm. Mary wondered if the woman’s acceptance had perturbed Chase because he hadn’t come to grips with what he did for a living, but she didn’t say so. They’d just made peace and Mary didn’t want to drive another wedge between them.
“An adrenaline junkie, huh?”
“Yep, I had to end it.” Abruptly, Chase stood. “I don’t know about you, but I’m restless. How do you feel about getting out of here for a few hours?”
“Really?” She hadn’t left these four walls in forever and she was aching for a change of scenery.
“Absolutely, as long as you don’t try to run away.”
“I won’t.”
It sounded better than staying in the guest room, worrying about her fate or pondering her grandfather’s illegal activities.
“Have you ever been to Vegas?”
“No, I haven’t.”
In college, she’d come close. A group of her friends had gone together during spring break, but she’d decided to go to a microbiology conference instead. They’d called her a nerd and sent selfies all week, and by Sunday, Mary wished she’d gone with them.
Now, Mary finally had her chance to see what she’d missed.
“Well, you’ve been deprived. I’ve been hanging out on the strip since I was a teenager.”
“Why? You wouldn’t have been able to gamble.”
“Trust me, there were plenty of other things to do.” Chase winked. “Come on, let me show you.” And then he took her by the hand and led her out to his truck.
What have I gotten myself into?
***
As always, the strip was crowded with throngs of tourists. The casinos had bright flashing marquee lights. As they passed by, coins clinked from slot machines. People were smiling and laughing around them.
It was a chilly Friday night, and they walked down the sidewalk together. Vegas was relatively warm in the winter, but at night it cooled down, and there was no humidity to hold in the heat.
If Chase didn’t know better, it would have felt like a date.
Chase wasn’t sure why he’d asked her to hang out with him. Maybe because he wanted to make up with her. Chase realized he needed to make her happy. And if he couldn’t release Mary, a Vegas trip would be the consolation prize.
Keeping Mary against her will felt wrong on every level.
He had the urge to free her. Not only that, Chase wanted his own freedom. As crazy as it sounded, he pictured running away with her, finding someplace far from here where they’d both be safe.
Somehow, he thought bringing her here would lessen the guilt, but it wasn’t working. If anything, he felt worse. She was young, and Mary should be out with her friends, having fun. Although, knowing her, she’d be holed up in her apartment, studying, even on a Saturday night. The point was, Mary should be free to do whatever the crap she wanted to.
“You look awfully pensive.” Mary looked up at him, watching his face carefully.
“Just thinking.” He shrugged.
“About what?”
“It doesn’t matter.” He waved at the casinos around them. “So, pick your poison. What will it be? Slot machines? Cards?” Chase had played all the games, and h
e loved winning. And he’d teach her to play like a pro.
“I don’t know. Can we go in there?” Mary pointed at Circus Circus. The casino was aptly named because it resembled a giant circus tent, complete with a neon clown sign out front.
“Sure, whatever you want.”
They headed inside, and Mary looked at the slots doubtfully.
“Wanna play?”
“Nah. Do they have any other games? The kind you’d find at a carnival?”
“Yup, let’s go to the midway.” Chase led her through the crowds until they reached the stalls. With the popcorn, elephant ears, and cotton candy it even smelled like the circus.
Carnival music filled the air, too.
Mary smiled, looking around and taking it all in with wide eyes. God damn, she was so beautiful it took his breath away.
“My parents used to take me to the circus or the carnival whenever one came to town.” They were surrounded by booths with a wide selection of games.
“Sure you don’t wanna gamble?” It’s the reason people came to Vegas, but she didn’t seem interested.
“Maybe later. For now, I’d like to play some of these, if it’s okay with you?”
“Of course we can. It sounds fun.” Chase was charmed, despite himself. He hadn’t gone to the carnival since he was a kid. They circulated around the room, trying things. Neither one of them won a prize, but it was fun.
As they were trying to toss rings around bottle tops, a clown walked by, and Mary smiled at him and waved. The clown returned her grin and kept on going.
“Wait, let me get this straight. You actually like clowns?”
“Yeah, who doesn’t?”
“Everyone. They’re disturbing.”
Her brows furrowed. “No, they’re adorable.”
“Adorable? You’ve seen It, right?” He’d watched it on Halloween as a child, and it had scarred him for life. “Pennywise is horrifyin’.”
Her eyes danced with mischief. “Let me get this straight, you’re a former Marine, and you’re afraid of men who wear funny clothes and makeup?”
Chase caught himself unconsciously flexing, as though she hadn’t noticed his muscles.
“I didn’t say I was afraid, I said they’re freaky. There’s a difference.”
Her lips twitched. “I don’t see how.”
“Let’s get back to playing, shall we?”
“Fine.”
As they tossed rings, Mary kept glancing at a big stuffed polar bear hanging from the curtain. He paid for more rings.
“Having fun?” Chase asked.
“Yes, I am.” And the question earned him a genuine smile.
She tossed a ring, and it clattered to the floor. “Dammit.”
“Here, throw them high in the air, so they’ll have a better chance of settling on a bottle.” As a teenager, he’d practiced long hours.
Chase wanted to win her the polar bear. He hadn’t won one for a girl since he’d been in high school. He shelled out twenty dollars for more chances to win and kept pitching them at the painted bottles, hoping to score the prize, but it wasn’t working.
Maybe because Chase had trouble focusing on anything else but Mary.
Damn, what the hell am I doing? Showing off for the girl I’m holding hostage?
I’m out of my mind.
“Hey, it’s okay.” She tugged at his sleeve, but Chase wouldn’t be dissuaded. He might not be able to get her out of this mess, but he’d win her the damn stuffed animal.
“No, I’ve got this.” It took him five more plays, but Chase finally won the bear, even though the toy had cost him fifty bucks altogether. He could’ve bought the damned thing for less, but it was worth it when Mary’s eyes lit up.
“Thank you.” She hugged the stuffed animal to her chest.
“You’re welcome.”
“But you didn’t have to do this.”
“I know, but I wanted to. So, what are you going to name him?”
She studied the bear’s face a moment. “I’m gonna call him Snowy.”
“How about some cotton candy?” He’d distract them both with some gooey sweetness. They walked along the midway together, arm in arm. Mary had a bounce in her step and kept grinning at him.
I’m a lost cause.
“I’d love some.” He bought her a pink one, and she ripped strips off it, melting them on her tongue, before swallowing.
Maybe he had an oral fixation, but there was something erotic about it. Chase bet she tasted even sweeter than the spun sugar, and he wanted to kiss her so bad he ached.
All I want is one little bitty taste.
He wondered what she’d do if he stole a kiss. Would Mary slap his face? Scream for help? Or would she kiss him back? Fall into his arms and let him have his way with her?
The thought was tempting, but sanity won out.
I can’t do this.
Instead, he led Mary outside. They walked down the street together until they reached the fountains beside the Bellagio and watched the show, while he tried to get his equilibrium back. The fountains were famous in the area for the coordinated water and music. Tonight, “Uptown Funk” played, and the water danced to the beat.
Mary tapped her toe and sang along. Then she noticed his scrutiny and gave him another of her spectacular smiles.
Somehow, he had a crush on his hostage. Since that night in his bedroom, when they’d spilled their secrets, he’d been a goner. No, it had started the moment he’d clapped eyes on her.
Chase hated to admit it, but he wanted more. He longed for that closeness, wanted Mary to let him in again. Somehow, Mary had gotten under his skin, liked she’d weaved some sort of spell.
And, before he could stop himself, Chase leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. It was a light, quick kiss, a meeting of mouths, but it rocked Chase to his core.
He’d gotten a taste of her, and now he wanted more, much more. Mary stepped back and touched two fingers to her lips, as though she’d been burned.
Maybe they both had.
Things had just gotten even more complicated.
Chapter Eight
Three days ago, Chase had left for New Orleans and a week had gone by since their kiss.
Mary still didn’t understand what happened. Ever since they’d locked lips, he’d been avoiding her. Apparently, their make-up had been short-lived, although they weren’t together so they couldn’t have had a break-up in the first place.
The point was, things had gone back to being awkwardly polite. Not that Mary cared. Nope, she didn’t care at all.
In the note he’d placed on the counter, Chase said he’d have one of the junior mafia dudes, Alan Woods, watch over her. Mary wasn’t thrilled at the prospect, but she didn’t have much choice.
Sure enough, the downy-faced mobster wannabee had shown up every evening to keep an eye on her. Thankfully, he was more interested in the television or his cell phone, than her.
For the most part, Mary ignored Alan and tried to keep herself occupied.
There was a knock on the door around noon on the day before Chase was due to arrive. Mary went to see who it was, although she couldn’t open the door because she still didn’t have the code.
“Mary, it’s me, Harry.”
“What do you want?” Mary spied him through the peephole and sucked in a breath.
“I’m here to watch you, of course.” The door handle rattled as he opened it. She stepped back and once inside, he punched the code into the panel, and the beeping ceased.
“Chase left me with you? I thought Alan was coming over again.”
“Change of plans. Got a problem with it?”
As a matter of fact, I do.
Mary didn’t say anything though, but she seriously doubted Chase had left her alone with Harry. She hadn’t missed the way Chase had eyed him earlier. He didn’t like the man any more than she did.
“So what are we gonna do to pass the time?” he asked. “You could watch the game with me. Want a beer
?” Harry helped himself to one from the fridge.
“I’m not really into sports.”
Harry leaned closer. “Then you can keep me company.”
Yeah, no thanks. I’d rather help Ten clean his guns. Mary intended to hole up in the guest room and ignore him.
“Well, I was gonna do some cleaning, so I’ll stay out of your hair.” Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and headed upstairs.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Harry seized her wrist before she could get away from him.
“Like what?” She stared at his hand until he removed it.
“You didn’t ask me for permission.” His gaze slid over her.
He had to be kidding. Mary fell somewhere in between a guest and a hostage, but Chase never tracked her movements in the house. And they might’ve kissed, but he didn’t leer at her either. Even after a few moments with Harry, Mary felt like she needed a hot shower to scrub herself clean.
She gritted her teeth. “Can I go upstairs?”
“Sure.”
Mary headed up the staircase, and he stayed at the bottom, watching her, probably ogling her butt.
Please come home soon, Chase.
She didn’t even have a way to contact him because she didn’t have access to a phone.
Mary wasn’t sure she could even make it through the next few hours. Regardless, she occupied herself the only way she knew how. She’d dusted, vacuumed the carpet, changed the sheets, and even scrubbed out the bathtub, in preparation for the long, cleansing shower.
The guest bedroom was tiny so cleaning didn’t take much time. There was only a twin bed, a dresser, a nightstand, and a small attached bathroom. Like the rest of the house, it had the neutral carpet and walls.
An hour later, there was a knock on her bedroom door.
Mary tensed. “Yes?”
“Let me in.” Harry tried the door handle, but she’d locked it. Evidently, his game was over. Dammit, she’d been hoping he’d be distracted for the rest of the evening.
Mary hesitated. “Um, what do you want?”
“Open the door, or I’ll break it down.”
With a sigh, she opened it a crack and stood in the doorway, blocking him from entering.
“So who won?”
“The other team and now I’m in a shitty mood.”
Bad Blood (Lone Star Mobster Book 5) Page 9
